tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65261988385214046892024-03-04T23:59:01.392-08:00IN CHRIST ALONEJoannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-4206194706890767732013-01-20T18:28:00.001-08:002013-01-20T18:28:17.540-08:00Crazy Eight!Crazy Eight! and what a delight!<br />
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Happy Birthday Corryn!<br />
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Eight years ago, we were blessed with another baby!<br />
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I am so amazed how such a young lady you are becoming! You are so smart, sweet, caring and crazy!<br />
I love how you are always smiling! I love how resourceful you are! I love how you run from the room when you are watching a movie and hid when the main character is doing something dumb or in danger! (you get into all the movies you see...whether you have seen it a hundred times already)<br />
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I love how you keep trying especially in basketball, soccer, lego club and school plays!<br />
I love how you still love the color pink!! <br />
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You make us laugh and smile so many times!<br />
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You are amazing! What a crazy delight you are!<br />
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Happy Birthday Corryn! We love you!<br />
<br />Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-63254970802101411722013-01-06T16:36:00.001-08:002013-01-06T16:36:39.240-08:00Amazing 10 and so sweet!Where has 10 years gone?<br />
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I am amazed how fast it has gone by!<br />
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I remember the day you were born and wondering if I could do this...be your mom! I was so scared and unprepared!<br />
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Then you were born and our world changed for the better.<br />
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There were times, I would look at you and wonder what you would be like as a little girl and now I know. You are awesome, so caring, so fun, so sweet, smart, beautiful! I am truly proud of who you are and who you are becoming!<br />
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I look at you and think how did I get so blessed to have you as my daughter! You are so beautiful, so smart, so full of life.<br />
I love how you care for your friends, always making sure they feel like they are your best friend, that they are important!<br />
I love you love to read!<br />
I love how you will try new things like sports basketball, soccer and roller skating! <br />
I love how you are growing in faith! <br />
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I love how you love us!<br />
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New love...roller skating!<br />
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I love how you love your friends!<br />
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We love you and are so proud of you!<br />
Happy Birthday Hollyn! <br />
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<br />Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-18251701817665406822012-09-18T03:10:00.000-07:002012-09-18T03:10:09.017-07:00Happy Birthday David!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David and Hollyn!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David and Corryn!</td></tr>
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Happy Birthday to my hubby, my soldier, my Love!</div>
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What a year we have had!</div>
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This time last year you were celebrating in Afghanistan. I am so thankful to God that you are home with us this year!</div>
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What an amazing father you are to our girls, strong, encouraging, loving and silly!</div>
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What an awesome husband you are to me, loving, caring, supporting and funny!</div>
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I love your laugh, and that you think you are funny!</div>
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I think you are one of the smartest man I know and the most compassionate man I know.</div>
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I am so proud of you and so proud to be your wife!</div>
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I Love You!</div>
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Happy Birthday!</div>
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<br />Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-1767611634524594732012-09-08T09:26:00.001-07:002012-09-08T09:26:20.713-07:00Drill weekend!<br />
Before any of our deployments, drill weekends weren't so bad. It was a girl's weekend for us.<br />
A chance to do things with the girls, things hubby most likely didn't want to do i.e. yard sales, craft stores, shopping. We would do our things and them meet up with hubby! <br />
<br />But that all changed when the words deployment came up. Drill weekends became training weekends for my hubby which required being gone out of town and sometimes adding more days to the 'weekend'. Which to me they became tense, lonely, sad, mind numbing, and overwhelming thinking about what was about to happened. Even frightening in a way. I dreaded everyone of them. The longer they lasted the more deeper the feeling. The more I realized I was not ready nor would I ever be ready for this. A small taste of what it would be like for when he was deployed. They left me anxious and tense. I felt broken, discouraged, and weary.<br />
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So when deployment #1 ended and drill weekends did not return to the easier days, I was shocked. They were still long and uncertain. Hard to get through. Then we found out why deployment #2 was looming in our near future.<br />
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Deployment #2 came and went, drill weekends changed for us again...I was preparing for more of the same hardness, same fears but that is not what God has in-stored for me now. They are easier and harder in some ways. Harder in that they started soon after his return, they are longer than the typical weekend drill and much more intense for him.<br />
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But as they continues now drill weekends are slowly losing the hardest of them. The fear of him leaving is being replaced with him being home for awhile! The tense feeling of overwhelming burdens is being replaced with relaxing in prayer and trusting God has everything under control. They are still hard at times but not paralyzing with fear, loneliness, and dread for the future.<br />
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I approach drill weekends a little differently now than pre-deployments, more prayer time for my hubby, more preparations for the weekend for the girls and myself, and more time to relax for me. I made a decision to read more on these weekends searching God's Word for verses to pray over my hubby and our family. I made a decision to trust God and let the hardness go and start to heal. And now I can see some of the old fun of girl time is returning and new joys are being added each weekend ...and I thank my God each drill weekend for that.<br />
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Drill weekends are never going to be easy! But I am so Thankful to God they are easier now! <br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span class="text Ps-51-8" id="en-NLT-14676">Oh, give me back my joy again;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-51-8">you have broken me—</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-51-8">now let me rejoice. Psalm 51:8 </span></span></b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000;"><i><b><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-51-8">Prayers for David</span></span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #7f6000;"><br /><em><b>I can do all things through him who strengthens me</b>. <b>Philippians 4:13</b></em></span><br />
<span style="color: #7f6000;"><br /></span><span style="color: #7f6000;"><i><b><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-51-8"></span></span></b><strong>But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. <strong>2 Chronicles 15:7</strong>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b><i><span style="color: #7f6000;">The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and
he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7</span></i></b></span><br />
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<br />Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-46188680576195325982012-06-10T17:23:00.000-07:002012-06-10T17:23:53.524-07:00Day 3 Thankful!Today as I was driving around looking at houses, just thinking about what David is doing and it hit me...how much of an opportunity this is for him and how thankful I am that God opened the door for this.<br />
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He has always wanted to become an Officer and for whatever reasons he never applied until now.<br />
It has been a huge leap of faith for David to do this and I am so proud of him.<br />
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My heart, mind and soul just poured out in a prayer of thanksgiving, thanking God for being so good to us, to David, to fulfill a dreams from many years ago.<br />
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<i><b><span class="text Ps-31-19" id="en-NKJV-14351">Oh, how great is Your goodness,</span></b></i><br />
<i><span class="text Ps-31-19">Which You have laid up for those who fear You,</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-31-19">Which You have prepared for those who trust in You</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-31-19">In the presence of the sons of men!</span></i><br />
<i><span class="text Ps-31-19">Psalm 31:19 </span></i>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-17249337085852479692012-06-09T17:32:00.000-07:002012-06-09T17:35:20.571-07:00Day 2Day 2 has been rough for me! I feel a little lost and unfocused. I have a lot to do next week and it is pressing on me. I wonder if I can get it all done.<br />
Plus I have no idea what David is feeling or going through which makes this time harder for me.<br />
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So I keep coming back to my mental focus needs to be on God!<br />
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Two verses keep coming to mind ...so I prayed them for myself and for David!<br />
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<i><b><span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NIV-29456">I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span class="text 2Tim-1-7" id="en-NIV-29817">For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.</span> </b></i></div>
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<i><b> 2 Timothy 1:7<span class="text 2Tim-1-8" id="en-NIV-29818"><br />
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<i>Dear Lord,</i><br />
<i>Help me to focus on you and to use my time wisely. Help me to not to fear these next two weeks with everything I have to do and the not know what David is going through. You know all thing I need to do and I can not do anything without you.</i><br />
<i>I pray David will know he can do this, that God is giving us strength ...giving him physical, mental and emotional strength! I pray he has power to go on when it is tough! I pray we both have focus and clarity in thinking. I pray we rely on your power and strength and I thank you Lord that I do not have to rely on my own.</i><br />
<i>In Jesus Name</i><br />
<i>Amen</i>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-10142699136629791522012-06-08T18:48:00.000-07:002012-06-08T18:48:56.086-07:00Day 1Day 1 for David.<br />
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David is attending AT (annual training) for OCS (officer's candidate school) for 2 weeks. Two weeks of h___.<br />
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I know he is will do fine but it will be tough. Most likely one of the hardest (physically and mentally) things he will do. We don't know really what to expect but we do know God knows.<br />
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<i style="color: blue;"><b><sup class="versenum"> </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8</b></i>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-35664831586937985112012-03-05T03:48:00.003-08:002012-03-05T04:03:16.822-08:00Step (Leap) of FaithI have always wanted to be known as a woman of Faith! Of strong Faith...someone when the going gets tough, I go to my knees and pray...someone that trusts God through it all...someone who follows God...someone that lives a life of faith! <br />
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I heard a statement last year...If you want to be a woman of faith, you must live on faith! WOW!<br />
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This has resonated with me for months because I know I am not a woman of faith...I do not live on faith!<br />
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Yes, I believe in Jesus, my Lord and Savior, I have asked Him into my heart!<br />
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I am not talking about that faith...I am talking about the faith to do something you don't understand, to give up control, to follow and trust when you fear the unknown, to not formulate a plan B because you are scared plan A will fail, to be still and Know that He is God (Psalms 46:20).<br />
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I know many Godly women of faith. But it never occurred to me until recently they were not this way instantly. It takes time, it takes steps of faith. Sometimes those steps are small baby steps, sometimes the steps are leaps, big jumps into the unknown. This is what it feels like for me. I know some people may just believe I am taking a baby step but it feels like a huge leap of faith for me. I am not used to letting go of control. To trusting, I like to plan and normally have plans B, C, and D forming in my mind while plan A is just getting off the ground.<br />
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I know the verse in my mind Jeremiah 29:11...For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord..Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and future! Could you tell me those plans so I will know!<br />
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BUT He doesn't tell me His plans: HE Tells me something else: Something better!<br />
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When I told Him, I don't understand this step of faith, I don't know if it will work out, I need you to show me something, to give me a sign that this is the step of faith YOU have for us, for me. He showed me this.<br />
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<div style="color: #45818e;"><i><b> Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths! Proverbs 3:5-6 </b></i></div><br />
<span class="text Eph-3-20" id="en-NKJV-29272"><i><b> </b></i></span><span class="text Eph-3-20" id="en-NKJV-29272"><i><b> </b></i></span><span class="text Eph-3-20" id="en-NKJV-29272">My leap of Faith starts tomorrow! I am trusting God and my hubby David who encouraged me to do this, I am nervous and excited how this will affect our family. But I am choosing to believe that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above what I ask or think (Ephesians 3:20)</span><span class="text Eph-3-20" id="en-NKJV-29272"> </span><br />
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<span class="text Eph-3-20" id="en-NKJV-29272">So I step out on faith as I no longer will be working full time!<i><b> </b></i></span><br />
<span class="text Eph-3-20" id="en-NKJV-29272">I still will be working part time but I covet prayers as this will affect our family. It will be a blessing to have more time with the girls and David when he comes home but it could be a financial burden as well. We are trusting God!</span><br />
<span class="text Eph-3-20" id="en-NKJV-29272"><i><b> </b></i></span><br />
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<span class="text Eph-3-20" id="en-NKJV-29272"><i><b> </b></i></span><span class="text Eph-3-20" id="en-NKJV-29272"><i><b> </b></i></span><br />
<span class="text Eph-3-20" id="en-NKJV-29272"><i><b> </b></i></span><span class="text Eph-3-20" id="en-NKJV-29272"><i><b> </b></i></span><span class="text Eph-3-20" id="en-NKJV-29272"><i><b> </b></i></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-43354283692014842832012-01-20T04:31:00.000-08:002012-01-20T04:31:57.476-08:00Look who is 7! Happy Birthday Corryn!What can I say about you!<br />
You are such a blessing to us!<br />
You make us laugh at the silliest stuff!<br />
You amaze me with your confidence, you will wear the funkiest outfits or fix your hair crazy and be so proud! Go for it I say, live it up. <br />
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You are the most giving child I have ever seen. I have seen you give away Christmas presents you have just received!<br />
You are so compassionate when others are sick or hurt! You sometimes even have sympathy pain which is quite funny.<br />
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I love that you still love the color pink!<br />
I love that you really couldn't remember what you wanted for Christmas but was so EXCITED about EVERYTHING you got! Priceless!<br />
I love that you love to color.<br />
I love that you are all girl! You love skirts, nail polish, lip gloss, dress up, etc.! <br />
I love that you jump with excitement whenever you are so happy! <br />
I love that you are my Corryn!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVcCZ5Q-2ERE9uImYa8LOe_nIwR3SMEgLgnYtWr4IEL512PZl8-3osdaDGqBtFncML3j1fOhdNcj6JLbk77cH-Wdg07bVXBrHnY-7Zs266tflE4r70C7fxgd1VPwC42oQdt2donZmT2wU/s1600/276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVcCZ5Q-2ERE9uImYa8LOe_nIwR3SMEgLgnYtWr4IEL512PZl8-3osdaDGqBtFncML3j1fOhdNcj6JLbk77cH-Wdg07bVXBrHnY-7Zs266tflE4r70C7fxgd1VPwC42oQdt2donZmT2wU/s320/276.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Happy Birthday Corryn!<br />
Mommy and Daddy love you!Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-79104048026264248642012-01-06T05:55:00.000-08:002012-01-06T05:55:15.985-08:00Hollyn turns 9!!!Happy Birthday Hollyn!<br />
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9 years old!! WOW!!!<br />
where has the time gone!!!<br />
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I remember the morning of your birth, thinking I don't know if I am ready for this...funny I still think this about you growing up! LOL<br />
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I don't know if I am ready for you to be in double digits...we have just one more year.<br />
I don't know if I am ready for you to stop playing with dolls...you asked for a DS video game for your birthday.<br />
to me a big girl gift.<br />
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But you are a big girl.<br />
You are a smart girl.<br />
You are a beautiful girl.<br />
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You have such a sweet, tender heart. You are so loyal to your friends. This past year you came home from church upset that one of your best friends wasn't saved. You were so concerned for her and something happening to her before she got saved. So we prayed that she would understand God's word and within 2 months she asked Jesus into her heart!<br />
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You have a compassionate heart... If you are missing your father, you whisper it to me so your sister will not hear it and get upset. You get so upset when she gets hurt.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DEjoLgB5PgSLvPaDUeDZBoj51PT_OviO_uGn_q3jZtOLDp_RJo8l5KaFaOM5jw4kKGsTg_g_ZMO27bkZWo_qO05quzvClYRw_AtoWsLz0dLOtJZq-xH5Hy1SQ7HKKkaqmfNlQeUdwdtQ/s1600/038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DEjoLgB5PgSLvPaDUeDZBoj51PT_OviO_uGn_q3jZtOLDp_RJo8l5KaFaOM5jw4kKGsTg_g_ZMO27bkZWo_qO05quzvClYRw_AtoWsLz0dLOtJZq-xH5Hy1SQ7HKKkaqmfNlQeUdwdtQ/s320/038.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>You have a courageous heart! You are in your second deployment and have faced it with strength and courage. I know it is so hard for you two but each day, I see you smile and pray and hope for the future. We all struggle through this sometimes but I know we all are going to make it through it.<br />
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You have an adventurous heart! I hope you never lose this! I hope you go through life trying new things and enjoying all the blessings God has given you. I was amazed that when we went to Dollywood this year, you rode big roller coasters, you rode a ride by your self flying 70 ft in the air...by yourself!!! And YOU LOVED it!!!<br />
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Sweet girl who has some drama sometimes, Mama and Daddy love you with all our hearts!!!<br />
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Happy Birthday!!!!Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-44172759634812384452012-01-02T19:49:00.000-08:002012-01-02T19:49:48.244-08:00New Year part 2When I shared my thoughts last night, it wasn't meant to hurt, offend, convict or even ask for help.<br />
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It was me just sharing my story...me working my salvation out....with my Lord!<br />
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It is about me trying to live this life and choosing to be Thankful and not disappointed!<br />
It is about me trying to live God first in my life and not just saying it!<br />
It is about me living in hope, joy, peace and not living in fear, sadness and bitterness!<br />
It is about me being transformed by the renewing of my mind!<br />
It is about me trying to do this:<br />
<i style="color: blue;"><b>Hebrew 12:1-2a Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witness, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.</b></i><br />
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Thank You Lord for the year 2011, all the good times and also all the hard times. I now look forward to what You have in stored for me in 2012.<br />
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<i style="color: #134f5c;"><b>Jeremiah 29:11</b></i><br />
<div style="color: #134f5c;"><i><b>"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."</b></i></div><br />
I love this verse, I have quoted it many times. I have it written down in many places, on my walls, in books, in journals! What a great reminder for my future...for a New Year!<br />
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Plans to give me hope and a future!<br />
Another reason to say goodbye to last year because God has plans for me...hope and a future!<br />
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<b id="yui_3_3_0_1_1325555968474200"><b id="yui_3_3_0_1_1325555968474199">Hope</b></b> is the emotional state, the opposite of which is despair, which promotes the belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life.<br />
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I have hope, hope that all things work for the good to those who love the Lord! Romans 8:28<br />
I have hope, hope that God mercies are new each day! Lamentations 3:23<br />
I have a future that God himself has planned for me! Jeremiah 29:11<br />
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I love the hope of a new year, new dreams, new life...even new challenges.Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-86045869171462334462012-01-01T18:41:00.000-08:002012-01-01T18:41:12.367-08:00New Year Part 1I am so glad to say good-bye to 2011 for many reasons.<br />
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The obvious is this deployment!<br />
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It has taken it's toil on me spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. It is nothing like what we imagined or prepared for. Somethings with the deployment are better than the first deployment and somethings are worse!<br />
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Spiritually, I feel lost. I pick up my bible and don't know where to start, what to read, what to pray! I feel like I have lost my way.<br />
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Mentally, I think about everything, I believe most people who go through a deployment are never able to turn off their minds, but it is exhausting to say the least. In my mind, I always have to be prepared for anything and everything. What to do if I get sick, if the girls get sick, do we have bread, milk, clean clothes, have I paid the bills, if David will call today, maybe we can Skype, Christmas without him, birthday without him, need to get to work on time, drive David's car so the battery doesn't die, get the van serviced, etc. It never stops! <br />
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Emotionally, I have never felt so alone, forgotten or disappointed by others. I am truly sadden by the lack of care or concern from my church family for my husband, the girls and myself especially during the holidays. I have cried many tears over this. It truely has broken my heart. I feel we are slipping through the cracks in our class and no one is noticing. I feel I don't have that true group of friends who would notice. Is it 'out of sight, out of mind'? I don't know...maybe this is not entirely their fault, maybe if I was more vocal of my needs, or prayer requests, made more of an effort or if I blogged more, maybe things would have be different... <br />
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Another part of this struggle I have is lack of time to nourish relationships the way I would like to. I am praying God will change that in me and for me. I know it will take time. But once you get hurt like this, you build up a wall. I am praying God will break this wall down that I have built in my heart.<br />
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Dealing with a death over the holidays is always hard. We lost a beloved grandparent very suddenly over Thanksgiving. It has left a huge whole in our hearts especially the girls. They had some much 'missing' over the holidays, missing Daddy, missing Pap Dale and missing friends ( several friends moved away right before Christmas and they knew the friend would not be back after Christmas break). <br />
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Physically I am drained. The last deployment, I developed a stomach ulcer. It has reared it's ugly symptoms again. I hate it. With working full time hours, taking care of the girls, and extra activities, I usually don't have time for myself. I know I should and maybe even can change some things but at this moment it is hard. It is hard to find the time to get 8 hours of sleep, exercise or even find time for a daily quiet time. But I resolve to change that.<br />
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So I am saying good-bye to 2011. <br />
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I believe with all my heart, this is not how God wants me to be. He doesn't want me to be stressed to the max, overcome with sadness, drained physically, mentally, emotionally, and definitely not spiritually.<br />
He wants me to be filled with His strength, His peace, His love and His presense!<br />
He wants me to be filled with HIM!<br />
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<div style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>Ephesians 3:14-19</b></i></div><i style="color: #cc0000;"><b>For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.</b></i><br />
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to be continued in 2012....<br />
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</tbody></table>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-57429670361916416612011-12-09T19:42:00.000-08:002011-12-09T19:42:46.106-08:00You might be a military wife at Christmas if....Today is the last day of the Christmas blog carnival at <a href="http://www.wivesoffaith.org/christmas-blog-carnival-2011/wof_cmas-tour_2011">Wives of Faith</a>!<br />
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I have really enjoy this week of blogging, reading the other posts and 'meeting and getting to know the other ladies'. I hope this is the start of me continuing to blog and getting out of my own little pity party!<br />
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<b>You might be a military wife at Christmas if....</b><br />
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You spend many Christmases away from your hometown.<br />
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You have a poinsetta as a tree because you moved into your apartment 2 weeks before Christmas for your first PCS and the apartment complex gave you the plant as a gift.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5aAaSL_UYIw/TuLSZdYOk2I/AAAAAAAAARc/V3KW-maFIVI/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5aAaSL_UYIw/TuLSZdYOk2I/AAAAAAAAARc/V3KW-maFIVI/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>You decorate a Christmas tree with a patriotic theme.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilL0C7vuBgrRZC98AphOBF8xm2TcSrG8MFl1girtnnzLhz-YuxsQT8_z9MVVdF0hmbjD7z4aSdU-L3JlnTRV4qJbYt98ItH8lGe367tTI_-qWdTH5BcZ7ZxxIgbO7EWZduVVyS3GVPXWDK/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilL0C7vuBgrRZC98AphOBF8xm2TcSrG8MFl1girtnnzLhz-YuxsQT8_z9MVVdF0hmbjD7z4aSdU-L3JlnTRV4qJbYt98ItH8lGe367tTI_-qWdTH5BcZ7ZxxIgbO7EWZduVVyS3GVPXWDK/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Your kids wants a pink camouflage stocking because it reminds them of their daddy.<br />
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You see more green than red because of all the uniforms you see.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-etI2T-n0JlI/TuLSReBdLkI/AAAAAAAAARU/l-juu9Gjc2U/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-etI2T-n0JlI/TuLSReBdLkI/AAAAAAAAARU/l-juu9Gjc2U/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>You purchase Daddy's presents early so you can mail them to make sure he gets them in time for Christmas.<br />
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You cry at songs like "I'll be home for Christmas" or "Sending you a little Christmas".<br />
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You have a houseful of single soldiers and married soldiers over for dinner because they too can't go home for the holiday and you LOVE it!<br />
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You are praying the holidays hurry up and get here and over with because it marks the half way point of deployment!<br />
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You are secretly a little anxious of how you all will do without Daddy here for Christmas! :( <br />
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This has been so much fun and encouraging. I pray everyone will have a bless Merry Christmas especially to all our soldiers serving oversea and their families!<br />
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<div style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>Merry Christmas!</b></i></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-91640588702381383112011-12-08T19:43:00.000-08:002011-12-08T19:43:14.272-08:00PerspectiveI am enjoying the Christmas Blog Carnival over at <a href="http://www.wivesoffaith.org/christmas-blog-carnival-2011/wof_cmas-tour_2011">Wives of Faith</a><br />
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Day 4 of the carnival is titled Best non material Christmas gift ever. For me this gift would be perspective. I pray and hope I can put into words what I am thinking.<br />
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Our first Christmas together at a new duty stationed thousands of miles away from my family, I learned not all people celebrate like me. I learned to see our life together is what we make of it. Whether we live in my hometown or miles away with the military.<br />
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An earlier Christmas, I was a collage student living at home and my mother had had a heart attack. As we were preparing dinner, my father received a call to come to the hospital as soon as possible. We dropped everything and rushed to my mother. I am so thankful she survived and actually lived 10 more years. But I learned it didn't matter to me if Christmas dinner was cooked or if you got presents.<br />
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This Christmas is our first Christmas with my hubby not here at home. I really don't know what it will look like or how the girls will be but I know we will be fine. I know in the long range outlook, this is just a tiny speck.<br />
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My perspective is ever changing and hopefully for the good.Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-46717132503182013672011-12-07T18:51:00.000-08:002011-12-07T18:51:56.159-08:00Favorite Christmas MemoryI am participating in a blog carnival over at <a href="http://www.wivesoffaith.org/christmas-blog-carnival-2011/wof_cmas-tour_2011">Wives of Faith</a><br />
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Today's topic is Favorite Christmas Memory.<br />
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I really have struggled with this one not because I had awful memories but I just can't remember a lot of details.<br />
I remember one Christmas we (2 boys and 2 girls) all got bikes for Christmas. That was special because we really didn't have a lot of money growing up. I also remember any presents we got were never wrapped but in a neat little pile but we always new which pile was ours.<br />
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But there is one Christmas that stands out. I think I was about 8 or 10. My older sister and I both got a dress made by my grandmother. This was in the 70's and the dresses were long all the way to the ground with a ruffle on the bottom. I loved it and I felt so pretty in it. We were so excited. I remember we put our dresses on and ran down the street to show our friends. While we showed off our presents, we asked them what they got. I remember the look on their faces as they told us they only got a lip gloss from Avon. I felt so sad that day for them, I will never forget that! <br />
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Maybe not a typical favorite memory ones thinks about but one that stays with me even now. I pray I will never forget this memory and what I learned from it that Christmas day.Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-60603750721886311212011-12-05T19:55:00.000-08:002011-12-05T19:55:01.093-08:00"It's a Wonderful Life"<a href="http://www.wivesoffaith.org/christmas-blog-carnival-2011/wof_cmas-tour_2011"></a>Christmas movies, I love them. I could watch them all year long and sometimes I do.<br />
But my all time favorite Christmas movie is 'It's a Wonderful Life'. It is actually my favorite movie of all time!<br />
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George Bailey! What a man!! I love his servant's heart and his sacrifices for others!<br />
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George wanted to go to school, travel to foreign lands and see different things but God had other plans. (now I know the movie really doesn't speak much about God) When his father passed away, in order for the family business (the Building and Loan) not being taken over by the town's scrooge (old man Potter), George had to stay in town and run the business. Something he did not want to do but did anyway! He had to give up his dreams...dreams of travel, school and a life far from Bedford Falls.<br />
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But what a life it is!<br />
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George doesn't even realize how wonderful his life is until one fateful Christmas Eve. Feeling hopeless and despondent, George contemplates suicide but his guardian angel Clarence intervenes. Clarence decides to give George a gift. A very rare gift! The gift to see what the world would be like if he did not exist.<br />
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I think this is an awesome gift, very valuable almost priceless. To be able to see how much you matter to those around you, how your life changes the course of everyone you touch, how valuable you are! I think most people would love to know how much they matter to those around them. <br />
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I love how in this movie, the good guy wins!!! I love how George sees how life is worth living, how blessed he is, how wonderful he has it.<br />
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I think this is an attitude we all need to be reminded of sometimes especially me, especially tonight.<br />
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Tonight is our last night together for a while. My hubby returns to his duty station overseas tomorrow.<br />
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Even though I know a rough good-bye is coming, we have a blessed life. We have a wonderful life. It is not perfect but it is wonderful nonetheless. <br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wivesoffaith.org/christmas-blog-carnival-2011/wof_cmas-tour_2011"> WOF Christmas Tour 2011</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wivesoffaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/WOF_Cmas-Tour_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><u style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></u></a></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-3550136011371952292011-11-11T18:41:00.000-08:002011-11-11T18:41:43.035-08:00Veterans Day 2011Just wanted to say THANK YOU! to all the veterans who have gone before us, to all the veterans serving now, and to those who will stand up and serve in the future.<br />
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Especially to my veteran, THANK YOU!<br />
I am so proud of you, the girls are so proud of you!<br />
We do not take this day for granted!<br />
We know the cost, the price, and the sacrifice it takes to serve! We serve with you!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7NN9KSdXIkg7YjMLkc0J68LyO6PrMHIk_o3O7S-PGdA6QjLtcFkslQ3rReCAyrQNDNir9cNwwuM-S74JY8l_CJOhvXRtuZ41EWANefNG6s2pI72dzyxIiL5rplITiHM-wSwgvqOnJ7KG/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7NN9KSdXIkg7YjMLkc0J68LyO6PrMHIk_o3O7S-PGdA6QjLtcFkslQ3rReCAyrQNDNir9cNwwuM-S74JY8l_CJOhvXRtuZ41EWANefNG6s2pI72dzyxIiL5rplITiHM-wSwgvqOnJ7KG/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNRa-RKbTO323nBE6P2BcrT2xPp6SxLTnO1hN8CDh1c095jERCIiLiPr1S1z8a5uLZr3WofvvhJqmT8Mk8kES3zP2bTAfnb2SHug9_xMAto-LPirqEyf4qIZgxallX9w-9PaIIxjVEXkq/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNRa-RKbTO323nBE6P2BcrT2xPp6SxLTnO1hN8CDh1c095jERCIiLiPr1S1z8a5uLZr3WofvvhJqmT8Mk8kES3zP2bTAfnb2SHug9_xMAto-LPirqEyf4qIZgxallX9w-9PaIIxjVEXkq/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We love you and miss you with all of our hearts!Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-2143047039427967412011-11-01T19:32:00.000-07:002011-11-01T19:32:01.733-07:00Chosing to be Thankful!Lately being positive or thankful has not come easy to me. I am more of the opposite these days. And I must admit, I am tried of it!<br />
Deployment, work, kids, activities, etc, all wear this girls out.<br />
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But I have decided I will choose to be Thankful!<br />
I will count my blessings which are too many to number!<br />
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I will be obediant, even though my feelings don't match my words, I know they will match in time if I choose to be Thankful!<br />
I will use this month to show and give thanks to My Lord and Savior!<br />
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How can I not be thankful?<br />
I am so blessed!<br />
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Today I choose to be Very Thankful for the 2 good night sleep my girls had, NO nightmares!! Praise the Lord! Thank you Lord for sweet dreams for my sweet girls!!!<br />
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Psalm 30:11-12 11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, <br />
12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-22421170724718703332011-10-09T05:12:00.000-07:002011-10-09T05:12:46.766-07:00I sometimes forgetI sometimes forget they are not me<br />
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I sometimes forget they can do somethings but may need me to do them for them<br />
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I sometimes forget schedules are not God's timing<br />
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I sometimes forget being late is just life <br />
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I sometimes forget they may need a minute more <br />
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I sometimes forget they need me to chill out<br />
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I sometimes forget they need me to have fun with them<br />
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I sometimes forget my words can build up or break down<br />
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I sometimes forget they don't always need to learn a lesson<br />
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I sometimes forget how small they really are<br />
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I sometimes forget they are only 8 and 6 years old<br />
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I sometimes forget they too are going through this deployment <br />
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I sometimes forget they are hurting deep inside<br />
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I sometimes forget they don't understand why <br />
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I sometimes forget they need to vent<br />
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I sometimes forget tears are good for them<br />
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I sometimes forget there are profound sadness in the happiest of times<br />
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I sometimes forget they are <b style="color: purple;">ALWAYS</b> missing him, wanting him, and needing himJoannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-4941578710161215972011-10-04T19:31:00.000-07:002011-10-04T19:39:24.865-07:00AngerNothing like reading a children's devotion to your children and realizing this is not for them but for you!<br />
That happened just tonight!<br />
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A situation at work has caused me great anger.<br />
I have fretted over this for several days.<br />
I have stirred up wrath, been hot tempered, and very prideful.<br />
My body and soul has had no peace at all!<br />
It really consumed me, consumed my thoughts, my conversations, my heart and my spirit!<br />
I did not like who I was or what I was doing about this! <br />
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But God gently reminded me, 'why'<br />
Why am I still fretting or worrying about this?<br />
Why am I stiring the pot?<br />
Why am I demanding some action or accountably from others when I have not even given it?<br />
Why haven't I turned to HIM first?<br />
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God reminded me "slow to anger"<br />
Do you want to be like this? <br />
Do you want peace or fear and bitterness in you?<br />
Do you want to be rested or restless? <br />
Do you want me to help you or you going to do it on your own?<br />
Do you want to abide with me or be alone?<br />
I can't be abiding with God and be overcome with anger, bitterness and stife.<br />
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God reminded me "let it go" <br />
Do not worry!<br />
Do not fret!<br />
Do not live with this!<br />
Confess it to Me!<br />
Listen to Me!<br />
Forgive them!<br />
I have forgiven them and<br />
I have forgiven YOU!<br />
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My prayer tonight:<br />
Dear Lord, please forgive me of all this anger I have held on to. Please forgive me for my unforgiveness of them, bless them so that they see YOU! Please forgive me for not trusting you and coming to you when this first happened. Lord, I want to be slow to anger and slow to speak but quick to hear, esp. to hear from YOU! I know I can't hear from you unless I am in your word abiding in YOU! I don't want to be anger, stirring up wrath but I want to be a person who is kind and compassionate. In Jesus name! Amen!<br />
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<div style="color: blue;"><i><b>My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, James 1:19</b></i></div><br />
<div style="color: #351c75;"><i><b>Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8</b></i></div><div style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #073763;"><i><b>Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31,32</b></i></div><br />
<div style="color: #20124d;"><i><b>An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins. </b></i> </div><div style="color: #20124d;"><i><b>Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor. Proverbs 29:22,23</b></i><br />
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<a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/category/women-living-well-wednesdays/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq297/courtneylivingwell/LivingWell.png" /></a><br />
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</div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-9575474323354067422011-09-16T20:23:00.000-07:002011-09-16T20:23:45.135-07:00blog your heartI have been challenged by this <a href="http://www.stephaniehowell.com/.a/6a00e551ef15fe8834014e8b8b91ff970d-popup">Blog your Heart</a> challenge!<br />
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I have struggled with this blog for many months for many reasons some being not feeling I can be real for fear of hurting peoples feelings. Other reasons have been not doing it well, feeling very inadequate and jealous of how well others do it. But I really feel God wants me to be real! so here goes.<br />
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I fear not having a story to tell!<br />
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I am trying to be patience but when my hubby who is deployed doesn't hear from people who say they will be there and aren't, it upsets me for him. No one has reached out to my hubby since he left in July. Please don't let it be "out of sight, out of mind".<br />
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I want to have a ministry, to encourage women and share my faith! But I feel so unprepared for it! I don't have a miraculous story to tell.<br />
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I want to be more organized. My house is a mess. Some people say it doesn't matter but it bothers me.<br />
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I don't know what I am doing most of the time when it comes to parenting! But I love my girls! I worry about how much these deployments really affect them.<br />
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I haven't cooked a decent meal in weeks!! LOL<br />
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I am working on my quiet time, having more quality time with God.<br />
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I think I could go on but I need some sleep.<br />
Thank you for doing this <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/02085190231056457463">Stephani Howell</a>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-62011734644736718022011-08-29T19:36:00.000-07:002011-08-29T19:36:00.187-07:00Praying for my girls!<i><b> pray continually! 1 Thessalonians 5:17</b></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTkW94Nbh-V3_eU2EKzvmzrF7cwnOs_zX9OgOX2uy-S2aRiCeMtF1Xtex5MXEico3Y1HYygPjyjKDH57GVEinJ3_jsfIpQpHd70ti_5_6RfIAwROwO5Q7pRWuwlgHkKTUXd_uZuNEQZDN/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTkW94Nbh-V3_eU2EKzvmzrF7cwnOs_zX9OgOX2uy-S2aRiCeMtF1Xtex5MXEico3Y1HYygPjyjKDH57GVEinJ3_jsfIpQpHd70ti_5_6RfIAwROwO5Q7pRWuwlgHkKTUXd_uZuNEQZDN/s320/043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We surprized the girls and woke them up with a skype phone call from David, they loved it!! It has been the first time they have seen David since July 21st. Way too long!!!!<br />
They talked to him, made funny faces, blew kisses and hugged my computer! It was precious. :)<br />
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But we had to say good bye on the phone call and head off to school! They were so quiet on the ride there and so hesitate about going in!<br />
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It is so hard on them, they serve also!! Everyday they deal with their Daddy not being here! They miss him cheering them on soccer practice, helping with homework or giving them a hug when they had a bad day!<br />
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I tell them I am here for them and God is here for them and they are loved by many but especially God but in their little minds, is it enough? I pray it is enough for now until their Daddy comes home to them.<br />
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I pray they find comfort and peace, friends who will be there for them, rest especially rest and sweet dreams!!!Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-18912337591450165012011-08-22T20:20:00.000-07:002011-08-22T20:20:02.161-07:00Long nightSunday night was a long nite.<br />
I woke up in the middle of the night to find both girls in our bed! Not good! I don't sleep well when they are in our bed! Then I happened to oversleep and did not get up until 6am so it was a mad dash out the door (which makes the day feel stressful and unorganized) but we made it to school and work in the nick of time.<br />
I can tell the girls are really missing David!<br />
It shows in the quick tears that appear over nothing and everything! Many tears tonight! MANY TEARS!<br />
so I will be praying specifically for them tonight (Monday). And praying for David as this is a big week!<br />
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Prayer Request:<br />
1.David and his unit! Safety! <br />
2. the girls sleep through the night with no nightmares.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipStLjQQ5tOeCUQieyvIfNr5QiMJEk9kb2fXkCpV7pC5U3APN6ce62smjKZAj38tsP__GF5_WEhOGTBJSAjxeI25CKnUTCZVSBMclj42kL0H_uP6pJRWq77n5tY7fy6MeMTrE5TOt6jjOe/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipStLjQQ5tOeCUQieyvIfNr5QiMJEk9kb2fXkCpV7pC5U3APN6ce62smjKZAj38tsP__GF5_WEhOGTBJSAjxeI25CKnUTCZVSBMclj42kL0H_uP6pJRWq77n5tY7fy6MeMTrE5TOt6jjOe/s320/032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>3. that their sleep would be restful and peaceful.<br />
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<i style="color: purple;"><b>Psalm 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, <br />
for you alone, LORD, <br />
make me dwell in safety. </b></i><br />
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Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-88519758773585626402011-08-15T07:00:00.000-07:002011-08-15T07:00:13.282-07:00strong hearts and courage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1L96P-2pOiq81_5rH6yLycWr3_9TR80sxpnkuF3BnZ6a0RqgBZE58LfoGjF6at_gy2-Y-0aCqrmeASIbNWpjotO62PqCRa5qk5Civi5lBfRnc5np-yv7_-uBWwQ8HtbanmvA3wUSRVR0/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1L96P-2pOiq81_5rH6yLycWr3_9TR80sxpnkuF3BnZ6a0RqgBZE58LfoGjF6at_gy2-Y-0aCqrmeASIbNWpjotO62PqCRa5qk5Civi5lBfRnc5np-yv7_-uBWwQ8HtbanmvA3wUSRVR0/s320/033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Summer Vacation is over!<br />
We had fun!!<br />
We swam, we read, we play and played hard!<br />
We went to Dollywood and Nashville!<br />
We stayed up late, we slept in!<br />
We ate ice cream and sweets as much as we could!<br />
We laughed and we cried and then cried some more for we had to said good-bye!<br />
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So as the girls prepare for 3rd and 1st grade, I pray their hearts will be strong! I pray for strong hearts even when they miss him so much, strong hearts that are rooted in your love Lord, strong hearts to get through this year!<br />
I pray they will have courage, courage to make new friends, to be kind to others, to learn, to try new things, to enjoy this year, to laugh, and to cry. I pray for courage to go on when they want to give up, courage to turn to you Lord.<br />
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<i><b> Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD! Psalm 31:24</b></i><br />
<i><b> </b></i>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526198838521404689.post-77540650541919023912011-08-07T05:21:00.000-07:002011-08-07T05:21:30.902-07:00Psalm 37Such sad and horrible news we woke up to yesterday!<br />
31 American soldiers died in one tragic event...shot down in a helicopter along with 8 others fighting for freedom.<br />
I wanted to say or do something....<br />
I didn't want to post the whole news story for fear of scaring someone...<br />
But I knew the story and with that information...I knew the Lord wanted me to do something.<br />
I did post a verse and said many prayers but I wanted to be comforted and somehow to be a comfort to someone.<br />
I tried to think of other stuff and go about my day...but with the news you think of your soldier and others soldiers and their families...<br />
I know my soldier was not in harms way at the time but this event made me miss him that much more...<br />
It solidified my need to pray and to trust God that much more...<br />
It encouraged me to go to the Word quicker and to linger longer....<br />
<br />
And while I went to Word, the Lord showed me He is still in control...<br />
Psalm 37: 1-13 (verses in bold really encouraged me)<br />
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Do not fret because of those who are evil <br />
or be envious of those who do wrong; <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14453">2</sup> for like the grass they will soon wither, <br />
like green plants they will soon die away.<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14454">3</sup><b> Trust in the LORD and do good; </b><br />
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14455">4</sup> <b>Take delight in the LORD, <br />
and he will give you the desires of your heart</b>. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14456">5</sup> <b>Commit your way to the LORD; <br />
trust in him and he will do this: </b><br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14457">6</sup> He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, <br />
your vindication like the noonday sun. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14458">7</sup> Be still before the LORD <br />
and wait patiently for him; <br />
<b>do not fret when people succeed in their ways, <br />
when they carry out their wicked schemes. </b><br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14459">8</sup> Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; <br />
do not fret—it leads only to evil. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14460">9</sup> <b>For those who are evil will be destroyed, <br />
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.</b> <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14461">10</sup> A little while, and the wicked will be no more; <br />
though you look for them, they will not be found. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14462">11</sup> But the meek will inherit the land <br />
and enjoy peace and prosperity. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14463">12</sup> The wicked plot against the righteous <br />
and gnash their teeth at them; <br />
<b><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14464">13</sup> but the Lord laughs at the wicked, <br />
for he knows their day is coming. </b><br />
<br />
I am so heartbroken for these soldiers' families but I pray they find comfort in knowing their soldier's sacrifice will never be forgotten and we are so grateful for their service!Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06589968130052348187noreply@blogger.com0